McCourt an unused sub as Northern Ireland edge closer

Mike Simmonds

Hatters winger Paddy McCourt was an unused substitute as Northern Ireland moved a step closer to Euro 2016 qualification on Monday night.

The 31-year-old who signed for Town in the summer was on the bench as Kyle Lafferty earned a last-gasp 1-1 draw against Hungary at Windsor Park, keeping Michael O’Neill’s side in pole position, top of the group.

McCourt was also restricted to a watching brief on Friday evening as Northern Ireland triumphed 3-1 in the Faroe Islands thanks to goals from Gareth McAuley (2) and Lafferty.

They can book their place at the finals in France next year at home to Greece on Thursday, October 8.